Immunization Schedules

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended childhood immunization schedule looks very intimidating at first glance. Parents are often overwhelmed by the number of shots, but there are ways to minimize the number of shots your child will get each visit.

Combination Vaccines

Some clinics and providers have combination vaccines such as Pediarix and Kinrix which combine multiple shots into one. This reduces the number of shots your child will receive in one visit. For example, at the 2 month visit it might look like your child is scheduled to get 6 needle pokes, but if your provider has the combination vaccines your infant would actually only get 3 shots. The rotavirus vaccine is taken by mouth.

Following the recommended schedule and keeping your child up to date will reduce the number of times he or she is stuck with a needle. Even if you choose to use an alternate schedule you can still use the combination vaccines.

PEDIARIX is a common combination used and combines the Hep B, DTaP and IPV. It is given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

Pentacel is a combination vaccine with DTaP, Hib and IPV and is offered by some pediatric offices.

KINRIX is a vaccine indicated for use as the fifth DTaP dose and fourth dose IPV in 4- to 6-year-olds whose previous DTaP vaccine doses have been with INFANRIX and or PEDIARIX.

ProQuad is a vaccine that combines the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.